EMI confirms Net vet Samit online

Exec to implement conglom's new media efforts

EMI Recorded Music confirmed Monday that it has named industry pioneer Jay Samit senior veep of new media, signaling a beefing up of its online efforts.

In the newly created post, Samit will be responsible for the worldwide strategy and implementation of the conglom’s new media efforts.

Samit, whose nod had been anticipated (Daily Variety, April 12), will also ink strategic alliances, develop new businesses and marketing partnerships, and develop the conglom’s Internet presence.

As EMI’s online czar, Samit will have to catch up with the other music congloms, which all have online infrastructures.

“EMI is totally committed at every level,” Samit told Daily Variety. “My responsibilities will include much more than to just build Web sites. We will be involved in all aspects of the music business.”

Samit will report to music chief Ken Berry, who said, “EMI believes that new media will generate many significant opportunities for the music industry. Jay’s appointment demonstrates how important EMI views these opportunities.”

While several of EMI’s 72 labels have Web presences, the conglom has yet to coordinate its online resources like competitors such as BMG Entertainment.

Samit has been involved in the Internet for more than 20 years and owns several technology patents.

As veep of Universal Studios’ New Media arm, Samit developed a number of content driven opportunities for the studio and made it profitable.

Prior to U, he was prexy of Jasmine Multimedia Publishing where he produced and marketed hundreds of software titles while developing a global distribution network.

He also bowed animalhouse.com, the leading online community for college students.

He was appointed to the White House’s initiative for education and technology by President Clinton and veep Al Gore where he helped gain Internet access for the nation’s schools.

Samit is already familiar with the EMI family, having licensed the Capitol Records library for use on CD-ROMS. He hopes his efforts will help the music of EMI artists to reach more people, while ensuring they are compensated for their efforts.